I have held an E-7 in the past. It was working for a consulting company in English program development. The process time can vary, though generally runs about 2 weeks after all docs have been submitted.

Immigration is much stricter handing out this visa as it gives the holder a broader scope to do any kind of business related activity in korea. This visa is not not a teaching visa, but as only schools and hogwons can get an E-2 visa, companies who wish to hire a teacher may try to obtain an E-7 visa for this purpose. If you have had any visa probs whatsover in the past, including late departure, you will be refused.

The applicant has to supply passort documents, a resume and show proof of work history or educational back in the field that he is being hired for(ie: letters of reference, diplomas, etc).

The company hiring you will need documents of its own, and will have to cough up a cash-guarantee for you. When I had my E-7, i believe it was 5M, but it may be higher now.

I've been issued a 'certificate for confirmation of visa issuance' for an E7 visa. I'm heading off to get it issued next week. I'm not really sure what the difference is. You think they'd give some info out with these visas when they issue them eh?